Frequently Asked Questions/Boarding

How can I enjoy my vacation when my pet’s boarding?

We recognize that pet owners have varied concerns about boarding. Most guilt stems from the belief that the owner feels they are somehow "abandoning" their pet.

A quality setting such as ours seeks to decrease stress and creates an environment where pets interact with loving staff and have the option to play with other pet pals in daycare so that most of their "down" time is spent sleeping and resting, just like home. Most pets have such wonderful fun playing, that after a short period of adjustment, they become very comfortable and lose an awareness of how long you have been away from them.

Please call or stop by for a tour during our regular business hours. Seeing the facility and meeting our staff should provide reassurance. Your trust and confidence in us is so very important. We welcome a frank discussion of your concerns, and truly appreciate your interest regarding your pet’s welfare.

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Can my pet really get accustomed to boarding?

Absolutely. Pets prefer consistency. They feel safe when they know what to expect. An excellent way to introduce your pet to the Groom & Board experience is to try our daycare for a few days in advance of boarding. By attending daycare, your dog will feel they "know" the place and in the majority of cases, will truly come to enjoy their visit with us.

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What else can I do to enhance my pet’s boarding experience?

Choose the most appropriate boarding accomodation for your pet. Consider space and noise levels when making your suite choice.

• Luxury boarding suites provide a quieter atmosphere and a choice of sizes. Larger runs are typically better for larger breeds, multiple dogs and/or the anxious pet.
• Room with a View provides plenty of sunlight, pets watch outdoor activity just like at home keeping them occupied and interested.
• Standard runs are a great option for the easy going pet.
• Our reception staff will provide recommendations based on your pet's size and disposition.

When possible choose daycare, particularly beneficial for the highly anxious pet. This is great excercise, socialization and an excellent distraction while you are away.

You may also want to consider pet massage. This soothing combination of massage and accupressure seeks to relieve a variety of stress-induced and orthopedic problems. An exceptional service for the geriatric dog. This service is provided by our certified canine therapist, Emily Schoenebeck.

Reduce or eliminate factors that create stress in your pet. Stress is the major
cause of problems. Here is a list of things to remember:

• Bring your own food, especially for our first-time or infrequent visitors.  We strongly recommend this to alleviate sudden changes in their digestive situation. A Premium Low Residue Diet is available for a fee. This diet is easy to digest and is recommended by our veterinarians for pets with sensitive systems. Cat owners must provide a diet from home.
• Avoid triggering unnecessary anxiety. For instance, if the presence of suitcases creates worry, leave them out of sight.
• Make your good-byes short, cheerful, and confident. Pets can sense overly emotional farewells and will respond accordingly. Upon welcoming your pet, please do so in a calm fashion. Your pet will sense that you feel secure.   
• Even though your pet had a marvelous time, they will still be very excited to see you. Once at home, many dogs in their excitement may drink or eat profusely, potentially causing vomiting or diarrhea. To avoid this, offer ice cubes or very limited amounts of water until they settle down. Cats typically adapt quite quickly with little or no intervention.

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My dog has been home a couple days after boarding and seems unusually fatigued. Is this normal?

Yes.  It is perfectly normal for your pet to sleep more than usual for the first few days after boarding. The resulting change is similar to your own vacation experience. The more fun and exciting the getaway, the more fatiguing the adjustment back to "reality." Please call if you are concerned however, or if anything appears to be out of the ordinary. We will be happy to discuss your pet’s behavior and answer any questions you might have about your pet’s stay.

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